Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 179, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 July 1920 — PATRON SAINT OF HATTERS [ARTICLE]

PATRON SAINT OF HATTERS

Why St. Clement Has Long Boon Accorded Recognition by Makers of Hoad Coverings- • St Clement is known as the patron saint of because of his discovery for the making of a compact fabric out of wool without pressure or weaving. The story goes that this devout priest, while on a journey, became footsore and tired, and, removing his sandals, sought rest by the roadside. St Clement was soon disturbed by the bleating of lambs. Looking up, he beheld a fox that had just seized one of the helpless young sheep. He cleared a hedge Just In time to destroy the fox and rescue the lamb, in the process of which act he observed loose wool, which he gathered and examined. The priest was struck by- the sudden inspiration that here was relief for his lacerated feet . Binding the yielding wool on his wounds, he was a"ble to continue his journey. On reaching his destination St. Clement removed the sandals from his feet, discovering Instead of the fine soft wool a piece of unfinished cloth, seemingly so firm and thick that he couldn’t pull It apart, He called the matted material This accidental knowledge of the priest caused the basic principle that underlies the men’s hat industry. November 23 has been named St Clement’s day and Is a red-letter day for the hat manufacturers of many countries.